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Russ Tamblyn

A boundlessly energetic presence in films for over five decades, Russ Tamblyn's extraordinary talent as a dancer was a key element to some of Hollywood's greatest musicals, including "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954) and "West Side Story" (1961). A juvenile performer from the age of 13, he played all-American kids in "Father of the Bride" and "Retreat, Hell!" (1952) before displaying his tremendous strength and agility in Michael Kidd's intense routines for "Seven Brides" (1954). He also fared well in straight dramatic roles, earning an Oscar nomination for "Peyton Place" (1957) before landing the role that largely defined his career: the devil-may-care Riff, leader of the Jets, in "West Side Story." As time went on, Tamblyn increasingly devoted his energies to the fine arts while still making appearances in film. David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" (ABC, 1990-91) gave his profile a brief boost, but he preferred to manage the acting career of his daughter, Amber Tamblyn, as well as work on eclectic stage shows like Neil Young's "Greendale" tour than returning to the Hollywood scene. However, his best screen work kept his legacy in the public eye for decades.